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Founded in 2016, Story Ventures is a New York-based venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage investments in data-driven technologies. The firm is recognized as the first exclusively data-focused early-stage venture firm in New York City. Story Ventures aims to transform how data is utilized, supporting companies that are pioneering advancements in data automation and machine intelligence.
Currently, Story Ventures manages a portfolio of 12 companies, emphasizing sectors such as AI, healthcare, fintech, logistics, and consumer. The firm operates with a team of five professionals, including co-founders Jake and Brian Yormak, who have established a reputation for their focused investment strategy. The firm’s office is located at 54 West 21st Street #1008, New York, NY 10010.
Story Ventures has achieved notable milestones since its inception, including the launch of a Scout Program in 2022, which allows entrepreneurial individuals to invest on behalf of the firm. This initiative reflects their commitment to expanding their reach and fostering a community of angel investors.
Story Ventures invests in companies across three primary sectors: Sensory Systems, Data Processing, and Machine Intelligence. Their investment strategy emphasizes the importance of data digitization and organization, leveraging artificial intelligence to improve decision-making in various industries. The firm targets early-stage companies that are developing technologies related to data automation and machine intelligence.
Investment stages include Pre Seed, Seed, Series A, and Series B, allowing for flexibility in supporting startups at different growth phases. The firm’s geographic focus spans North America and global markets, enabling them to tap into a diverse range of innovative startups. Story Ventures looks for founders who demonstrate a strong vision and capability to execute their ideas, particularly in enhancing decision-making processes through data.
Story Ventures has a diverse portfolio of 12 companies, each aligned with their investment thesis focused on data-driven technologies. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects Story Ventures' commitment to investing in companies that enhance decision-making through data automation and machine intelligence.
Jake Yormak: Co-founder of Story Ventures, Jake has a background in venture capital and technology. He has led numerous investments in data-driven startups and is known for his expertise in machine intelligence.
Brian Yormak: Co-founder of Story Ventures, Brian has extensive experience in early-stage investing and a strong focus on data automation technologies. He has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s investment thesis.
Gagan Chawla: Chief Financial Officer, Gagan oversees the financial operations of Story Ventures. He has a background in finance and investment management, contributing to the firm’s strategic financial planning.
Weronika Stefańczyk: Executive Associate and Office Manager, Weronika supports the operational aspects of the firm and assists in managing portfolio company relationships.
Jenna Witten: Focuses on investor relations and fundraising, Jenna plays a key role in maintaining relationships with limited partners and securing funding for the firm.
To pitch Story Ventures, founders should use the preferred channel of their website at storyventures.vc or email hello@storyventures.vc. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and how the startup leverages data. Founders can expect a response within a few weeks, and warm introductions are preferred but not mandatory.
Story Ventures launched a Scout Program in 2022, allowing entrepreneurial individuals to invest on behalf of the firm. This program aims to build a community of angel investors who can identify and support promising startups in the data automation and machine intelligence sectors.
In November 2025, Story Ventures participated in Parable's $16.5 million funding round alongside HOF Capital and InMotion Ventures. Parable focuses on AI transformation with real data, aligning with Story's investment thesis on data-driven technologies.
Story Ventures continues to maintain an active presence in the venture capital ecosystem, focusing on innovative startups that leverage data to modernize decision-making processes.
What are Story Ventures' investment criteria?
Story Ventures focuses on early-stage companies developing technologies in data automation and machine intelligence. They invest in sectors such as AI, healthcare, fintech, logistics, and consumer.
How can I apply or pitch to Story Ventures?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the firm’s website at storyventures.vc or by emailing hello@storyventures.vc. A clear presentation of the business model and how it leverages data is essential.
What makes Story Ventures different from other VC firms?
Story Ventures is the first exclusively data-focused early-stage venture firm in New York City, emphasizing a narrow investment thesis centered on data digitization and machine intelligence.
What is the geographic scope of Story Ventures?
The firm invests primarily in North America but also considers global opportunities, allowing them to tap into a wide range of innovative startups.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Story Ventures invests across Pre Seed, Seed, Series A, and Series B stages, indicating a range of investment amounts depending on the stage of the company.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Story Ventures have?
Story Ventures provides strategic support to its portfolio companies, leveraging its expertise in data automation and machine intelligence to foster collaboration and innovation.
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